Wal-Marts move magazines to the back of the store

Wal-Mart stores are in the midst of a major and significant remodeling program called "Project Impact" that will shift magazines to the entertainment department at the back of stores. Folio: magazine reports that about 650 stores are adopting the new floor-plan. The chain, best known for discounting titles and often being one of the biggest newsstands in many towns, says the change is the result of feedback from customers and some extensive testing. Magazines will still also be sold at checkouts.

The program will "improve the shopping experience for our customers and bring the new Wal-Mart brand to life,” a Wal-Mart spokesperson wrote in an e-mail.

"The aisle is now right near the movies and music area, where customers can pursue selections based on interest and genre, just as they do other entertainment categories.”

It's not known if the new policy affects Canadian Wal-Mart stores.